Punjab State Child Rights Security Commission chairperson Swaran Salaria has said those found guilty of violating child security rules will be awarded imprisonment of 10 years besides Rs-50,000 fine.

Punjab State Child Rights Security Commission chairperson Swaran Salaria has said those found guilty of violating child security rules will be awarded imprisonment of 10 years besides Rs-50,000 fine.

Presiding over a meeting of the district officials on Sunday, he said road accidents involving school buses, which result in death of children, has become a common feature because school authorities failed to act upon the guidelines set by the Supreme Court.

Those who use children below 16 years of age as labourers were violating the Prevention of Child Labour Act, which needed to be checked strictly, he said.

Respective school authorities must ensure that buses, which ferry children, should have a valid permit and are not more than 15-year-old. The drivers must have at least five years of experience with a valid driving licence, Salaria said. The driver and conductor of a school bus must wear grey-colour uniform with their names displayed on it. A school bus should be of yellow colour and fitted with a speed governor and fire extinguisher besides a first-aid kit.

He added that there must be a board fixed on the back of a school bus displaying the route of the bus and stoppages. A school bus must have the school telephone number printed on front and rear, Salaria said, adding that no school bus would carry students more than the capacity and each bus should be parked on the school premises.

A driver who has been challaned for wrong driving should not be allowed to drive a school bus. Salaria said in case of violation of rules, the commission would take strict action against the school authorities concerned.